This past week I continued on
my regime of exercise, both at the Cancer Rehab Group (which I have been
informed is one of the very few such groups operating free of charge in
Victoria) and I also had my first session at the pool.
Instead of wearing my old
bathers, I thought it kinder for other pool users to cover myself more
discreetly and managed to track down a very trendy rash vest (thanks Nicky) and
combined this with an old pair of Brian’s cycling knicks (minus the chamois of
course). I was ready! Apart from the indignity of being wheeled on a commode
chair down a ramp into the pool, all went well and I have to say I quite
enjoyed the exercises – all very gentle of course. I was surprised that the
Exercise Physiologist was very wary of any weight-bearing on my left hip even
in the water (perhaps he was just thinking of the paper-work involved if I was
to come to grief under his care!) To my surprise I was actually rather stiff the
next day – making me realise how poor my general fitness levels are.
On Friday Brian went out to the
letterbox and came back bearing a package with an impressive array of stamps.
Inside I was stunned to find a folder filled with messages, pictures and words
of encouragement from my siblings, their children and their children’s
children! And I must say there is a strong legacy of love, care and downright
crazy Miller humour in abundance! I spent the rest of the day reading inspiring
messages, enjoying photos, chuckling over the bush turkeys taking over the
Townsville hospital courtyard, and Geoff’s credible rhyming efforts. I didn’t
know there were quite that many cancer jokes and cartoons out there, and Pete
outdid himself in his Photoshop mastery!
Thank you to all of you – it was
easy to read all the love behind the messages, and this book will be picked up often especially when I need to
This afternoon I had another
surprise with a visit from my dear sponsor Aunty Betty (from Hamilton) and her
two daughters, cousins Janice and Sharon. Aunty Betty is my father’s youngest
sister – the youngest of 10 children – and the only remaining sibling. She was
in fine form, full of her positive good humour, and it was a delight to spend
time with her and my cousins who I don’t see often.
I truly have appreciated the
visits from friends and family as I continue to feel well, but the restrictions
on my movement and independence keep me grounded and lead to some frustration
at times.
Oh to be able to pop out for
quick drive or a short walk, or even a spot of weeding in the garden...
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| Enjoying a laugh and chat with Aunty Betty, Janice & Sharon |
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